New early retirement incentive offers made to 175 SU faculty and staff

Syracuse University announced a new incentive program for long-term faculty members to retire by the start of the 2026-27 academic year. 

In an email from Provost Lois Agnew provided to The NewsHouse, the university offers retirement benefits to roughly 175 members of the faculty and staff. Agnew wrote that those eligible will receive more information about the Voluntary Faculty Retirement Incentive on Friday. 

The 175 eligible members have more than 35 years of service to the university, along with faculty whose primary department or program is one of those recently announced for closure after the Academic Portfolio Review process. It also includes those who are currently in programs that have seen a lowering of enrollment or have had “sustained low enrollment,” according to the email. 

“I am grateful for the contributions our faculty make to this University every day,” Agnew said in the email. “This incentive opportunity reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students and strengthening our academic mission, while honoring the extraordinary contributions of our talented and dedicated faculty scholars.”

Faculty members who opt in to the program will receive the following benefits: 

• A lump-sum payment of two weeks of pay for every year of service, up to 100% of their 2026 fiscal year salary.
• An additional payment of up to $500 per year of service, up to $15,000. 
• Access to benefits for retirees, including the SU health plan, tuition assistance programs and other resources.  

Agnew said faculty with existing retirement agreements that have a planned end date can still participate in the program, and either keep their guaranteed amount or get a prorated agreement. 

Agnew said any necessary faculty openings from retirements will be prioritized for tenure-track faculty. She emphasized the program is entirely voluntary, and none of those eligible are required to retire or participate. Agnew referred any further questions to SU’s Human Resources department. 

The window to enroll in the program started Friday and runs through May 15. It will set the retirement date for those who opt in to August 16.